Direct oral anticoagulants in treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis: a systematic review protocol

DiscussionCurrent guidelines in the treatment of cerebral vein thrombosis dating back to 2011 from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association endorse the utility of anticoagulation for the treatment of cerebral vein thrombosis; however, they did not support the use of direct oral anticoagulants. Updated guidelines from the European Stroke Organization, endorsed by the European Academy of Neurology in 2017, also refute utilization of direct oral anticoagulants due to a lack of evidence. There have been nearly 10  years of experience with direct oral anticoagulants in the treatment of venous thrombosis and prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, with purported efficacy and safety in comparison with heparins and vitamin K antagonists. Our goal is to undertake a systematic review to assess the effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with cerebral vein thrombosis to help guide clinical decision-making for patients unable to take heparins or vitamin K antagonists and to direct future studies to contribute further to an area of certain evidence-based needs.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42017078398
Source: Systematic Reviews - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research